SINGAPORE - More than 400 participants were involved in a Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) operational exercise at the Padang in the early hours of Wednesday (July 24).

A total of 42 emergency vehicles were used in the exercise, which aimed to test SCDF's response to a fire and a chemical agent release, it said in a Facebook update on Wednesday morning.

SCDF also shared photos of the mock scenario, showing SCDF officers arriving on scene after some "spectators" in the stands started feeling unwell and collapsed.

Officers were able to confirm the presence of a chemical agent and locate its source before HazMat specialists, wearing protective suits, arrived to isolate and mitigate the chemical release.

Casualties were moved to a mass decontamination vehicle, where they underwent decontamination to remove any trace of harmful chemicals from their body.

Earlier on Tuesday, SCDF had advised the public not to be alarmed by the exercise. All emergency vehicles participating in the exercise had their beacon lights switched on and signs were also placed near the exercise's location.

The Straits Times understands that the exercise, which began at 2am and ended by 4am, is related to the National Day Parade, which will be held at the Padang this year.

It was supported by the police, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Health.

SCDF said in its post: "These exercises are important as they allow SCDF to validate and update our operational plans and response procedures, including familiarising our emergency responders with the area of operations."

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